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These 4 submersible aquarium pumps are quiet and effective

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We know one of the most challenging parts of owning fish is cleaning the aquarium frequently. No one wants to set aside an afternoon to remove each fish, bag him, and then scrub out his poop from a tank. We recommend investing in a submersible aquarium pump that will take care of all this for you. These days, you can find a quiet but effective pump to filter your water without keeping you up at night.

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Tetra Whisper IQ Filter

One of the most important things to think about when choosing your filter will be the noise factor. Lots of aquarium pumps keep both your family and your pets wide awake and disturbed. But many fish are also sensitive to the flow level of the water in their tanks. The benefit of the Tetra Whisper is that you can control the output. If you have a betta or other delicate fish, you can turn the pump down so as not to disrupt their natural current. Replacing the cartridges is easy, which allows you to keep the pump running longer without a full cleaning.

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Aqueon Freshwater & Saltwater Circulation Aquarium Pump

As every fish owner knows, once you get your first swimmer, you want to buy 100. The Aqueon pump can filter very large and dirty tanks that host multiple fish species. Because of the high filtration rate, it does require maintenance, but the continuous water flow helps keep your tank squeaky clean. Many fish will prefer this type, and its energy-saving features will ensure you aren’t utilizing too much electricity to maintain your habitat.

Vivosun Submersible Pump

This pump delivers convenience because you can place it almost anywhere in the tank. Attach this filter on the side or bottom of your tank using the suction cups, and it’ll stay in position. The Vivosun is perfect for ponds or aquatic environments where you’re trying to keep everything natural since you can easily disguise it among your plants and other decorations — it’s made to blend in with the surroundings.

Hygger Quiet Submersible and External Water Pump

While this fancy filter is a little higher end than the others on this list, it’s ideal for those who want full control of their aquatic system. This unit can be completely regulated with the external controller, but it can be used only in an indoor environment as the controller is not waterproof. It can also function in low-water habitats, so you can install this pump in a partially filled tank. When the water gets too low, the machine will automatically shut off.

The best aquarium water pump for you will depend on your specific setup and needs, but we bet you’ll find one of these useful. Whether you’re buying a filter for your plants, fish, turtle, or pond, there’s a submersible filter out there that will stay quiet and also get the job done, keeping your pet’s home clean and your pet thriving.

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Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah Adams
Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
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No matter how talented an aquarist or fish parent you are, you'll probably run into cloudy aquarium water at some point. Maybe your filter breaks unexpectedly or one of your fish has tummy problems, and you wind up with a tank so murky you can't see through it.

If you walk in to feed your fish and stumble on cloudy aquarium water, don't panic. While a good tank cleaning will probably be necessary, it's even more important to discover the underlying problem. We're here to show you how to clear cloudy aquarium water and keep your fish safe from filth.

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Where there's water, there are bubbles. It's unavoidable and you'll be chasing an impossible dream if you try to eliminate them from your aquarium entirely. For starters, the filter produces a continuous stream, and that's a good thing! It means the system works. But some bubbles may reveal underlying problems with your water or with your inhabitants. So, why are there bubbles in your fish tank, and how do you know if those little oxygen sacks indicate an issue or a healthy ecosystem? Here's how to tell where they're coming from and figure out what to do about it.
Why are there bubbles on plants?
Like we said, bubbles are often totally normal — no action required. This will especially hold true if you have live plants, which produce oxygen naturally and sometimes hold on to it in the form of bubbles. Of course, those eventually dissipate, at which point the gas inside seeps into the water. That's good! Fish need to breathe just like the rest of us and do so through their gills by pulling oxygen from the water in the tank. These types of bubbles go on the good to neutral list.

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